Northern Minnesota Man Charged with Murder after Admitting to Abusing Autistic Boy

Reggie Bethel, a 56-year-old man from Fergus Falls, Minnesota, has been charged with second-degree unintentional murder, as well as first-degree and second-degree manslaughter, after allegedly abusing an autistic boy in his care. The boy, who suffered a traumatic brain injury, died nine days after being hospitalized. According to the criminal complaint, Bethel initially told police that the boy slipped while picking up dog urine and feces, but later admitted to grabbing the boy's head and hitting it against the wall, and also kicking him while he was on the ground. The boy's mother told investigators that Bethel had a history of using physical discipline, which she described as a common occurrence in their home. Bethel is currently out on a $500,000 bond and faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted of the murder charge.

Key Takeaways:

• Reggie Bethel, 56, is charged with second-degree unintentional murder, first-degree and second-degree manslaughter after admitting to abusing an autistic boy in his care.
• The boy suffered a traumatic brain injury and died nine days after being hospitalized.
• Bethel initially told police that the boy slipped while cleaning, but later admitted to grabbing the boy's head and hitting it against the wall, and also kicking him while he was on the ground.
• The boy's mother told investigators that Bethel used physical discipline and that it was a common occurrence in their home.
• Bethel is currently out on a $500,000 bond and faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted of the murder charge.
• Bethel has a history of violence, having previously been charged with assault and malicious punishment of a child.
• The boy's mother reported the abuse to police and later corroborated the investigators' findings.

Statistics:

• 9: The number of days the boy spent in the hospital before dying from his injuries.
• 40: The number of years in prison that Bethel faces if convicted of the murder charge.
• $500,000: The amount of Bethel's bond.
• 1: The count of second-degree unintentional murder charge against Bethel.
• 2: The number of manslaughter charges against Bethel.

Sources:

• Court documents filed in Otter Tail County.
• A criminal complaint filed in the case.
• SyndiGate Media Inc. (www.Syndigate.info).